Juan E. Miranda

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of the legendary Juan E. Miranda-Rivera, AKA "Milo at The Pines" surrounded by family on March 13, 2024. Juan was born October 6, 1934 in Dorado, PR, 3rd born of 15 children, son of the late Gregory and Moncha (Rivera) Miranda. He is survived by his legacies, Juan and Jennifer (Weigold) Gonzalez-Miranda of Bristol, Wayne Saucier of Bristol, Nicholas and Mary Miranda of North Carolina and Shontel Miranda also of North Carolina. Besides his children, he is survived by 14 Grandchildren, 6 Great- Grandchildren, 1 brother, 8 sisters and many nieces and nephews. Juan is predeceased by his son Miguel Miranda, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Juan was a die-hard Red Sox fan, so much that he would watch reruns of games on TV for hours. After relocating to Bristol, he coached many local baseball teams, both little league and adult teams. Juan was also a well known musician both here in Bristol and his hometown of Dorado. He was a band member of Plenero de Bristol (Bristol Sound) and many bands in Dorado. He was a prominent citizen of Dorado, earning the key to the city for his musical contributions. He played many instruments, pleneras (hand drums), guiro, panderata (tamburine), campana (cow bell), just to name a few. Music and family were his Life and when the two got together, it was a "jam" session like no other, everyone singing, playing instruments and dancing. These are some of the fondest memories. He was an amazing cook, sharing his traditional Puerto Rican recipes with his family, from bacalao to cuajitos to mondongo. He loved shrimp, lobster and turkey breast. He was able to enjoy a feast of shrimp just days prior to his passing, thanking everyone around for the shrimp. Above all, he was a loving, genuine person who loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was a very proud man, proud of his heritage and love of Puerto Rico, proud of his family and proud of his privilege to vote. Juan (Milo) was loved by anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. Even though he is no longer walking the earth with us, he lives on in our hearts, memories and his music. We are privileged to be able to hear him in his songs for the rest of our days, until we meet again. A Mass of Christian burial for Juan will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 33 Queen St., Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:15 AM at the Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. Please visit Juan’s memorial page at www.funkfuneralhome.com.

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